Metro Vancouver's SkyTrain system receives upgrades

In Vancouver, BC, construction has begun at Metro Vancouver's Main Street-Science World Station, the first of seven SkyTrain stations to undergo accessibility and safety improvements over the next three years.

Metrotown, Commercial-Broadway, Scott Road, Surrey Central, New Westminster and Joyce-Collingwood stations will also undergo upgrades. Work is expected to be finished by 2016.

The upgrades cost CA$164 million (US$159 million), with CA$41 million (US$40 million) being provided by the government of Canada through the Building Canada Fund, CA$83 million (US$81 million) by the government of British Columbia and TransLink, Metro Vancouver's regional transportation authority, will contribute $40 million.

Upgrades to Main Street-Science World include new, more accessible station entrances, a new elevator, escalators, enhanced weather protection and lighting, as well as new retail space and bike parking facilities.